I recently made these pillows as a commission for a wedding gift. I am so in love with the romantic feel they have and am ready to make more! I will also be offering these in the etsy store as a custom order...I'll just need a picture of your profile :)

I hope you all are having a great Friday morning...I'll be back later with a Friday List.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Old Crow Medicine Show, Mumford & Sons, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros put on an amazing show! Of course, we couldn't go to New Orleans without a stop by Cafe Du Monde. There is nothing better late at night than beignets, cafe au lait, and good friends.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Okay, those were the cell phone photos...and here's a few taken with my actual camera.

So, obviously I took a little blog break over the past week....oops! It's actually been a pretty great, long weekend..full of Easter egg hunts, birthday parties, family, AMAZING worship, food, and friends. I am so very thankful for all the people God has put in my life. We are so utterly blessed beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I know it's cheesy, but it's a little overwhelming at times.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Today's outfit was super simple...something that was a necessity since I woke up 30 minutes later than I intended.

I got this dress a few weeks ago on super sale from Dillard's. I love the bright colors and big floral print. Shoes are Target from about 5 years ago...and that's it! And who says it takes more effort to wear dresses??? I actually prefer it :)

I hope you've had a good day, friends! We are gearing up for a busy Easter weekend...what are your plans?

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Hello! My name is Erin and I am the lady behind Pear & Peacock. I create earth friendly precious metal jewelry. Recycled silver is my favorite material to work with and I am looking forward to playing with gold. I think I will be waiting until the current gold/silver market is no longer at a record high! You can currently find my work on Etsy and I hope to soon grow my website into a functioning shop. I also have a blog that I haven’t spent much time on lately, eek! I have been so wrapped up in learning a new technique that it has monopolized my time.http://pearandpeacock.com/

When did you first discover your creative talents?

I have always admired the work of other artists and I absolutely love giving handcrafted gifts to my friends and family. They are so unique and special. Over the years I tried several different crafts but I never fell in love until two years ago when I decided to purchase some very basic metalsmithing tools. It was a perfect fit!

What inspires you and keeps you motivated to create?

I love nature- it inspires a lot of my work. Spring is one of my favorite times to be creative. I have more or less recovered from the holidays which are usually packed with shows and orders. It's also warm enough to be outside. I also use this time to teach myself new techniques. I think it is really important to learn continuously so my work stays fresh and I keep inspired.

How would you describe your style?

My work has been described as delicate and sweet. My goal is to create pieces that are wearable and great, everyday jewelry. I love modern and simple jewelry and try to have that reflected in my work.

Who are some people that have inspired your work?

I recently heard an interview with Emily Martin of The Black Apple. She is an amazing illustrator and it was wonderful to hear someone who is so successful sound so down to earth. I think I listened to it two or three times.

How do you bridge the gap between creating and running a business?

This is a hard one for me still. I usually go with how I am feeling that day. You can’t force creativity so if I am feeling creative I go with it. I always make time every few months to learn something new so I can expand my product lines or make myself more efficient. Recently, I have taught myself the art of lost wax casting as well as taken a few courses on photography and illustrator. Once I can squeeze more hours from the day, I plan to make use of all my new knowledge.

Any advice for aspiring artists/designers?

Do your research by reading and watching everything you can get your hands on. Local universities are great resources for books and videos and you may learn something small that really makes a big difference. Also, ask for help when you need it. Sometimes when I am getting overwhelmed by my never ending list, I invite my husband to a brainstorming tea (he is the best!). If you are having an off-day it is ok to give yourself a mini-break. A little time off is usually enough to jumpstart your creativity and motivation.

Thanks so much, Erin, for sharing your experience and advice with us! I am thinking one of your pieces will make a perfect mother's day gift :)

Monday, April 18, 2011

I am sad and happy that this is the ONLY picture I took of our weekend. It was absolutely the most beautiful weather outside! Saturday, Michael set up his tent for Anne to play in while he lounged in his new hammock doing homework. I was busy working on a new project that allowed me to enjoy the sunshine too :) I will hopefully be ready to share some pictures of that with you soon!

Sunday was just as beautiful, and Anne and I got to hang out with Aunt B. We are making an awesome 60's dress for her to wear in Hairspray next month :)

Friday, April 15, 2011

I thought it would be fun to write out 30 things I'd like to do before I turn 30...yep that's gonna be happening later this year! These are in no certain order, and some of these things might have been done before and just need to be repeated :)

1. make Anne's quilt
in the works 7/26

2. purchase and learn photoshop
*bought and currently learning some tricks from my sweet hubby! 3. sign up for a half marathon
done4. visit a state I've never been to (trip to LA)5. make lasagna from scratch
*made pioneer woman's 5/21 and it was dang good :)
6. read a book a month
*I've only accomplished this one if a children's book can count...read tons of those!
7. read the entire bible

8. ride a train
*rode from Hattiesburg to Laurel 4/25
9. go on a mission trip
10. start playing my guitar again
*...have actually picked it up a few times, but I wouldn't really call it playing yet. 11. make homemade bread
*Anne and I made some yummy wheat bread last week! 7/26
12. go sailing (hoping you can help with this one, Adam)13. go to the movies by myself
saw One Day 7/2914. take a road trip...or two
15. paint a picture that I would actually hang in my house16. attend an outdoor concert
*actually been to several, but Mumford and OCMS is the most memorable!

whew...that was a lot harder than I thought it'd be. As I read through my list, I automatically started thinking of things I'll have to do or change to make them happen...maybe that will be next weeks' list :)

I'm ready to start checking things off.

I hope you all have a great weekend. I plan to have a Harry Potter marathon, sew, and spend lots of time with my husband and kid :)

Thursday, April 14, 2011

I had the best time today. I met a new friend at the playground yesterday...a Chinese girl. She was so cute and friendly. After talking about things we enjoy doing, we decided I would teach her how to sew. She came over this morning for her first lesson, and we made a really cute flower headband. This set the pace for my day. I have been sewing and creating things all day! Here a few of the things I made.

baby headbands :) I am loving the wool felt...these will probably be popping up in the Antique Mall soon!